Freeshops – sharing economy in the countryside

To contribute to a viable countryside that cares for a sustainable future, we want to explore the possibility of establishing and operating freeshops in rural areas.  

Freeshops – what is it? It is a store where everything is free. Where anyone can give away things they do not use and/or take things they need. The main purpose is for items to end up where they are needed and used, without money involved. Freeshopping is good, both for one's own economy and our future, and gives people the opportunity to show local solidarity.

What can be donated? Well, pretty much everything. It can be clothes, furniture, paint, plants, tools. Everything except alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, pharmaceuticals, weapons, and animals. 

To start one or more freeshops in the countryside, some things need to be investigated and a plan for implementation created. Examples of questions to work from are: What interest exists? What do people want to share and exchange? What similar forms exist within the Leader Mellansjölandet area? What organizational form works best? Is any form of points system required to maintain order in sharing and exchanging? How is the operation managed? How is funding ensured for, e.g., local rent? What organizations are available to collaborate with? Possible locations to establish a freeshop?

Together with associations, businesses, and others in the geographical area who may have an interest in/contribute to a freeshop, we want to raise these questions and find answers in a feasibility study.